Super spud spectacular

More than 100 people crammed into the Carpenters Arms in Fangfoss to hear the results of the annual Potato Growing Competition.

The idea of the competition is to see who can grow the heaviest crop of potatoes from one seed potato. Lyn Grant, chair of the Jubilee Park Committee, explained: “The seed potatoes are sold to raise money for our park. People can grow their potato anywhere and in any material and at an arranged time in September, members of the committee go round and dig them up.

“Competition between the growers intensifies throughout the year, as it becomes a talking point among villagers. Certainly there are failures as well as successes, and we have some odd shapes produced. One of the fun prizes went to Richard Allen who grew a “Snoopy” potato and was awarded a bag of peanuts for his effort!” The awards were given out at the pub on Wednesday over a cottage pie and peas supper. In third place with potatoes weighing 4.57kg was Sophie Tinson. Second place was awarded to Jean and Phil Todd with a weight of 5.79kg. But the accolade of “Spud Champ of Fangfoss 2014” went to Harry Postill who produced 7kg of potatoes from his one seed potato. Harry also won the prize for the single heaviest potato which came in at just over 1kg.Lyn Grant said: “We would like to thank everyone who bought a potato, enabling us to raise over £400 towards the maintenance of Jubilee Park, and for those who joined us at the pub for a fun evening.”